Delonghi happens to be the leading brand with the largest market in Europe. The brand has both automatic and semi-automatic espresso coffee machines. The machine helps you enjoy a hot cup in the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, this convenience sometimes may fail when the device doesn’t brew. The experience may be frustrating when you don’t know how to troubleshooting. Look no more as this article gives you a guide on the parts of the machine you should troubleshoot when it fails.
Before making any move, you should carry out the following simple troubleshooting tips. These factors may be the reasons why your espresso machine isn’t working.
- Make sure you plug in the coffee machine. If not well plugged in, the appliance won’t work.
- Fill the reservoir well with water. If it’s halfway filled, the coffee maker won’t work.
- Ensure the filter basket is reasonably fit; it shouldn’t be loose or off-axis.
- Confirm if the carafe is in a good position on the warming plate.
- If, after all these simple steps, your coffee maker still fails, check on other parts.
Other parts you should check on include;
Brew head
If the machine has a clogged brew head, it won’t brew. The brew head dispenses water into the machine and has filters baskets that can block. Check the brew head if it’s clogged, and use a pen or a sharp object to remove the dirt.
Water tank setting
When a water tank isn’t well set, it interferes with the water pumping. Air bubbles get into the systems and block the water supply. If the tank is not well-positioned, remove it and empty the water. Inspect if there is any dirt on the compartment and remove it. Later fill the tank and position it correctly. Finally, turn off the coffee maker and restart the machine.
To remove the air bubbles, dispense few cups of water to remove them from the machine. If your device still doesn’t pump, check if there is limescale build-up and decalcify the machine.
Infuser
Confirm if the infuser is stuck. For example, sometimes, the used coffee beans can get stuck as the maker brews. Also, if there is any machine power interruption or opening the door at the wrong time, the infuser can get stuck.
How to Set up a Delonghi Espresso Machine
- Carefully remove the machine from the packaging and accessories from the wrappings. Check you have the following accessories;
- Single filter basket
- Double filter basket
- ESP filer basket
- Scoop
- Connect the machine to the power. Fill the reservoir with cold water, close the lid and switch on/off the dial. The coffee maker will undergo a self-diagnosis cycle indicated by the flashing of the three buttons. When the lights stop blinking and remain on, the machine is ready for use.
- Attach the filter holder fitted with any filter basket to the boiler outlet. Fix it and turn it securely to the right.
- Extend the hot water steam wand and place a large container underneath. Turn the steam button to flush the hot water through the system.
- Let your container fill halfway and turn off the steam dial. Keep repeating this process five times.
- Remove the drip tray and place a large cup under the spout. Press the two cup dials to flush water through the system. Repeat this procedure severally to ensure the machine is ready to brew.
- Finally, remove the cup and replace the tray. Then, your machine is ready for use.
How to Clean a Delonghi Espresso Machine
For hygiene purposes, it’s always best to keep your machine clean. You always clean the exterior parts in case of coffee spills as well as interior parts. While cleaning, you should avoid using strong detergents, cleaning agents, and bleach. Again, do not submerge the coffee maker in water or any cleaning solution.
What You Require
- Dish soap
- Dishcloth
- Container to hold water
- Gentle cleaning solution
- First, you need to disconnect the machine from power and allow it to cool down. Then disassemble all the accessories and water tank.
- Using a damp cloth wipe to wipe down the exterior parts, which you should do regularly. Focus on the coffee outlet where the coffee drains into your cup, the edges, the stew wand, and inside walls.
- Clean the tank using a dishcloth, gentle dish soap, and some warm water; do this after every use. Later rinse it well and let it dry.
- Clean the other accessories, the filters, scoop, and drip tray with a damp cloth. In case of any build-up, gently scrub with the fabric. Later rinse the parts and allow them to air dry.
- Remember also to clean the capsule well and wipe the lenses. Use a soft fabric to wipe the lenses without any soap or water. Be keen on cleaning the steam nozzles and tubes to clear any blockage.
- After all the accessories dry, assemble the appliance.
How to Descale a Delonghi Espresso Machine
After cleaning the espresso machine, the other essential procedure is descaling. This procedure should be done every 6 to 12 months to remove the mineral build-up in your device. Descaling will ensure you enjoy coffee free from bad taste. Additionally, descaling will keep your machine working for the best results.
Signs that Your Coffee Maker Require Descaling
- The machine has a dirty or burnt odor
- The coffee maker is making noises
- The machine is pouring coffee more slowly than normal
- The coffee isn’t hot as usual
Descaling Procedure
You can use a commercial descaling solution or homemade solution like vinegar or citric acid.
- Ensure the tank is empty and the capsules. Then turn on the machine. The homemade solutions are safer to use and prevent instances of one ingesting the remains of the commercial product.
- If using vinegar, mix three parts of vinegar into one cup of water and run a brew cycle. For the lemon juice, you need 5 cups of juice.
- It’s best to remove the machine’s filter basket and place the carafe in position. Then, plugin the maker and start a brewing cycle.
- When the carafe gets filled with vinegar or citric, empty it and refill the coffee maker with water.
- Run another brew cycle and check if the machine has deposits or an acidic smell. Keep brewing the appliance with clean water until it’s free of any scent.
Why is My Delonghi Espresso Machine not Working
Apart from the reasons we discussed above, like the clogged brew head, other parts may make the machine fail. For example, when the device fails to turn on, it may be due to a faulty thermal fuse or capacitator. The best remedy is to purchase the defective part and replace it. If you can’t replace it, ask for help from a technician.
How Do You Fix a Clogged Espresso Machine?
There are several ways you can use to unclog a coffee maker. These methods include;
- Run a steam cycle as this proves the most beneficial way to unclog the espresso machine. Fill a cup with water and submerge the steam wand into the frother. Turn on the steam dial and allow water to steam for some seconds. If the steaming doesn’t work, use a pin to get rid of the clogged milk in the steam nozzle.
- Clean the brew unit and filter. Remove the brew unit and clean it in warm soapy water. Also, clean the filer with a wet soapy to clear any coffee remnants. Later return the brew unit to its position.
- Check if your machine has mineral deposits. If the device has minerals, need to descale the coffee maker, as mineral deposits can build up and cause clogging.
- Remove the filter holder and clear any coffee beans in the filter. Next, clean the filter and rinse it thoroughly, then put it in place.
- Dismantle the sleeves and clean them in warm soapy water to remove dirt or dried milk.
Delonghi Coffee Machine Low Pressure
When pressure is low, the machine can’t make quality espresso. The main issue may be a faulty pressure pump. The pump may be leaking and requires repair to solve the problem. Again, you may have a clogged pump. In case of blockage, you need to carry out descaling or do a thorough cleaning of the internal area. If the pump is damaged beyond repair, replace it.
Delonghi Coffee Machine not Heating Up
Your coffee maker may fail to heat up due to the following two primary reasons;
- The thermoblock may be faulty. It’s the central heating unit in the machine, and if it fails, the device can’t heat up. Check the thermoblock if it’s in good condition; if not, you should replace it.
- There is decalcification in the unit. The presence of mineral deposits in the machine prevents the proper flow and affects the operation of the thermoblock. It will help if you descale the device to remove the mineral deposits.
My Delonghi Coffee Machine Won’t Turn On
- The machine may fail to turn on if the appliance isn’t plugged into the mains socket. Ensure you connect it to the mains socket and turn the switch in one position.
- Another reason is if the power supply cable is incorrectly inserted. Check the power supply cable at the back of the machine and confirm if the plug is correctly connected to a power outlet.
How Do You Reset a Delonghi Espresso Machine?
- Turn the machine off if it’s on.
- Press the steam dial for ten seconds until all three buttons blink in sequence.
- Later, turn on the steam dial and press the one-shot button. The three lights will link simultaneously, an indication you have restored the default settings.
- Then turn off the steam dial.
Delonghi Espresso Machine not Hot Enough
Sometimes coffee machines may fail to get hotter if you store them for a while without using them. If this happens to your Delonghi, consider checking if the firmware is up to date. Additionally, check if the keep warm time is set in the machine default section. Finally, if the tips fail, check with your technician for a remedy.
Delonghi Espresso Machine not Grinding Beans
The machine may fail to grind if it’s not thoroughly cleaned. Ensure you clean the machine using the following procedure;
- Empty the coffee beans grinding unit after turning off the machine.
- Start cleaning the grinder feeder using a pipe cleaner
- Also, remember to clean the bean door by removing the carafe and open the filter door. Use a soft damp towel to remove dirt and any coffee that remains. Ensure the compartment is spotless before carrying out a brew test.
If the grinder is turning and not grinding, check its settings. The grinder may have an extremely fine grind setting, bringing the blades so close together that they don’t function. To solve this issue, you need to change the grinder settings to a coarse level.
Delonghi Espresso Machine not Steaming
If the machine fails to steam, first check if the steam wand has build-up dirt. It is best to clean it up with a warm cloth for a blocked steam wand to remove the dirt. You can still try to preheat the steam wand to allow the machine to warm up. Remember, the machine takes around 15 minutes to produce steam, so it’s good to be patient.
Delonghi Espresso Machine not Frothing Milk
If your machine fails to froth milk, you should check the nozzles first; they may be dirty. Ensure you switch off the machine and unplug it to clean the nozzle. Turn the nozzle to the right and remove its outer part. Pull its tip down to remove all components. Clean all the pieces thoroughly to remove the dirt, rinse and dry them. Again, always ensure you clean up your machine after every use to avoid excess dirt build-up.
Another reason for your machine not frothing is using the incorrect milk quality. Ensure the milk you are using is cold. Its also best to use semi-skimmed milk for the Delonghi brand.
Other causes of the machine failure to froth milk include;
- Having low or slow steam pressure- thoroughly clean the steam nozzle.
- Re-frothing boiled milk- always use fresh cold milk.
Delonghi Espresso Machine not Making Crema
If your espresso lacks crema, some factors are affecting the making process. The following reasons make your espresso lack the reddish-brown froth;
- Your coffee may be stale – if you roast your coffee within the past 48 hours, it will be hard to make crema. Make sure your coffee is between 2 and 21 days past roasting time.
- The coffee has fine ground- fine ground coffee can choke the machine. However, coarse particles allow water to pass through and extract coffee content forming crema.
- Ensure you tamp the coffee particles before the espresso shot
- Ensure you pack the grinds well and level in the portafilter.
- You may have used less coffee- be sure to use enough coffee; for instance, use 7 grams of coffee for a single shot.
How to Make a Latte with a Delonghi Espresso Machine
There are two types of latte you can make using the same ingredients. These types include;
- Short caffelatte- 8oz
- Long caffelatte- 16oz
What You Need
- Coffee
- Milk
- Coffee machine
- Caffelatte glass
- Metal jug
- Thermometer
Instructions
For a short caffelatte, using the Delonghi machine is the best due to the fitted steam thermometer.
- Place 6oz of milk in jug under the steam wand.
- Create an average foam in the milk by heating it to 55-60 degrees. Remember you should move the wand in the milk from top to bottom.
- Add enough sugar and stir. Consider using topping some flavors such as vanilla, caramel, or chocolate, and enjoy your latte.
- Serve the latte in an 8oz glass.
For a long caffelatte, the procedure is the same but ingredients are different. You should use two shots of espresso that is 4oz and 12 oz milk. Again, serve the latte in a taller glass, 16oz.
Check this too: Saeco Espresso Machine How to &Troubleshooting Guide
How to Make Coffee with a Delonghi Espresso Machine
The following is the procedure on how to make the best coffee using the Delonghi machine.
What You Require
- Water
- Ground coffee
- Coffee maker
Instructions
- Carefully fill the reservoir with water and don’t exceed the MAX level.
- Preheat the machine for around 15 minutes until the green light blinks, indicating the unit is ready. How do you preheat the machine? These are the steps you should follow;
- After filling the tank, close it and wipe any water spills.
- Plugin the coffee maker and turn it on
- Heat the espresso cups at the top of the coffee maker. Let the machine flash the green light for you to start using.
- As you wait for the machine to get ready, grind the coffee beans that you will use.
- Add the ground coffee into the portafilter. First, ensure you use the right size of a cup depending on the shot you want. Then, fill the cup and level it.
- Using the tamper, tamp the pod or press it firmly.
- Place the portafilter into its place. Next, place the coffee cup under the spout.
- Twist the machine knob to the right and start brewing to get the shot you choose.